Controlled absorption diltiazem formulations

ABSTRACT

A controlled absorption diltiazem pellet formulation for oral administration comprises a core of diltiazem or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof in association with an organic acid, and a multi-layer membrane surrounding the core and containing a major proportion of a pharmaceutically acceptable film-forming water insoluble synthetic polymer and optionally a minor proportion of a pharmaceutically acceptable film-forming, water soluble synthetic polymer. The number of layers in the membrane and the ratio of the water soluble to water insoluble polymer, when said water soluble polymer is present, being effective to permit release of diltiazem from the pellet at a rate allowing controlled absorption thereof over not less than a twelve hour period following oral administration. The pellet has a dissolution rate in vitro which when measured in a dissolution apparatus (paddle) according to U.S. Pharmacopoeia XXI in 0.05 M KCl at pH 7.0 results in not more than 35% of the total diltiazem being released after 2 hours of measurement. Not more than 60% of the total diltiazem is released after four hours of measurement and 100% of the diltiazem is released no earlier than after 8 hours of measurement in said apparatus.

This is a continuation-in-part of copending application Ser. No. 120,952 filed on Nov. 16, 1987, now U.S. Pat. No. 4,891,230, and Ser. No. 121,225, filed on Nov. 16, 1987, now U.S. Pat. No. 4,894,240, which are continuations-in-part of Ser. No. 684,661, filed on Dec. 20, 1984, now U.S. Pat. No. 4,721,619.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to controlled absorption pharmaceutical formulations and, in particular, to controlled absorption forms of diltiazem for oral administration.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART

Diltiazem-cis-(+)-3-(acetyloxy)-5-[2-(dimethylamino)ethyl]-2, 3-dihydro-2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-1,5-benzothiazepin-4(5H)-one, is a benzothiazine derivative possessing calcium antagonist activity. Diltiazem blocks the influx of calcium ions in smooth and cardiac muscle and thus exerts potent cardio-vascular effects. Diltiazem has been shown to be useful in alleviating symptoms of chronic heart disease, particularly angina pectoris and myocardial ischemia and hypertension, while displaying a low incidence of side effects. Diltiazem is conventionally administered in tablet form (30 mg or 60 mg) as diltiazem hydrochloride sold under the Trade Mark Cardizem (Marion Laboratories Inc.). Diltiazem in tablet form (30 mg) is also sold under the Trade Mark Herbesser (Tanabe Seiyaku). Diltiazem is also sold in capsule form.

Conventional diltiazem therapy starts with 30 mg administered 4 times daily. The dosage is gradually increased to 240 mg, given in divided doses three or four times daily, at one- to two- day intervals until an optimum response is obtained. Diltiazem is extensively metabolized by the liver and excreted by the kidneys in bile. According to professional use information issued by Marion Laboratories Inc., Cardizem is absorbed from the known tablet formulation to about 80% and is subject to an extensive first-pass effect, giving an absolute bioavailability, compared to intravenous administration, of about 40%. Single oral doses of 30 to 120 mg of Cardizem result in peak plasma levels 2-3 hours after administration. Detectable plasma levels occur within 30-60 minutes after administration indicating that Cardizem is readily absorbed.

The plasma elimination half-life following single or multiple administration is approximately 3-5 hours. Therapeutic blood levels of Cardizem are thought to be in the range of 50-200 ng/ml.

As stated above, conventional diltiazem capsules and tablets are administered three or four times daily. Such frequent drug administration may reduce patient compliance and produces irregular blood levels; thus adverse therapeutic effects can arise.

An article by McAuley, Bruce J. and Schroeder, John S. in Pharmacotherapy 2: 121, 1982 states that peak plasma levels of diltiazem occur within one hour with normal capsules and within 3 to 4 hours with sustained release tablets. However, the Applicants have found that peak plasma levels of diltiazem occurring within 3 to 4 hours following administration were incompatible with effective and efficacious twice-daily administration of diltiazem, and that peak plasma levels occurring within 6 to 9 hours as obtained in the case of the controlled absorption diltiazem formulation of the Applicants' U.S. Pat. No. 4,721,619, and incorporated herein by reference satisfy accepted criteria for twice-daily administration of diltiazem, with preferred levels occurring within 8 to 9 hours. Furthermore, it will be appreciated peak plasma levels of diltiazem occurring within 3 to 4 hours are incompatible with

effective and efficacious once-daily administration of diltiazem.

Applicants' U.S. Pat. No. 4,721,619 describes and claims an effective diltiazem formulation for twice-daily administration. The formulation is distinguished by a characteristic dissolution rate when tested under specified conditions, not least its controlled absorption characteristics in vivo, which offer distinct advantages over existing formulations. However, it has been found with certain formulations prepared in accordance with U.S. Pat. No. 4,721,619, when manufactured in production batches commensurate with commercial scale manufacture to the indicated specifications, that the in vitro performance of the formulation disimproved beyond acceptable limits when stored over the normally required shelf-life periods. This was found to be particularly the case with formulations containing the naturally occurring polymer shellac. It is known that such naturally occurring polymers can exhibit considerable variability in quantity and quality depending on the source and time of collection and accordingly there remains a need to produce alternative formulations which do not require their use.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a controlled absorption diltiazem formulation suitable for administration no more frequently on the average than at twelve hour intervals.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a controlled absorption diltiazem formulation suitable for once-daily administration and which is bioequivalent to known oral formulations of diltiazem.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a controlled absorption diltiazem formulation suitable for once- and twice-daily administration, which is bioequivalent to known oral formulations of diltiazem, which has good stability over normal shelf-life periods of eighteen months to two years, and which contains only synthetic polymeric materials.

A further object of the present invention is to improve the method of manufacture of said formulations.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a controlled absorption diltiazem formulation which is particularly effective when administered at specific times during the day.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, the invention provides a controlled absorption diltiazem pellet formulation for oral administration, said pellet comprising a core of diltiazem or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof in association with an organic acid, the diltiazem component and the organic acid being present in a ratio of from 50:1 to 1:1, and a multi-layer membrane surrounding said core and containing a major proportion of a pharmaceutically acceptable film-forming, water insoluble synthetic polymer and optionally a minor proportion of a pharmaceutically acceptable film-forming, water soluble synthetic polymer, the number of layers in said membrane and the ratio of said water soluble to water insoluble polymer, when said water soluble polymer is present, being effective to permit release of said diltiazem from said pellet at a rate allowing controlled absorption thereof over, on the average, not less than a twelve hour period following oral administration, said rate being measured in vitro as a dissolution rate of said pellet, which when measured in a type 2 dissolution apparatus (paddle) according to U.S. Pharmacopoeia XXI in 0.05 M KCl at pH 7.0 substantially corresponds to the following dissolution pattern:

a) no more than 35% of the total diltiazem is released after 2 hours of measurement in said apparatus;

b) no more than 60% of the total diltiazem is released after 4 hours of measurement in said apparatus; and

c) 100% of the diltiazem is released no earlier than after 8 hours of measurement in said apparatus.

It will be appreciated that, when a once-daily formulation of the present invention is given prior to bedtime, it may be desirable to administer a formulation having a slower initial release during the night followed by an increased rate of release occurring in the morning as the patient awakens and commences activity.

Therefore, it may be desirable to administer a formulation which is effective for once-daily administration wherein the in vitro dissolution rate has the following pattern:

a) from 0 to 35% of the total diltiazem is released after 2 hours of measurement in said apparatus;

b) from 0 to 45% of the total diltiazem is released after 4 hours of measurement in said apparatus;

c) from 10 to 75% of the total diltiazem is released after 8 hours of measurement in said apparatus;

d) from 25% to 95% of the total diltiazem is released after 13 hours of measurement in said apparatus; and

e) not less than 85% of the total diltiazem is released after 24 hours of measurement in said apparatus.

It will also be appreciated that the active ingredients of the present invention are generally given to chronically ill patients wherein a steady state equilibrium is reached after several days or so of treatment. Patients that have achieved steady state are less susceptible to fluctuations ordinarily observed following administration of a single dose.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that depending on the time of administration throughout the day and the preferred bioprofile to be achieved, products may be formulated with dissolution profiles falling within various subdivisions within the foregoing ranges. A particularly preferred once-daily product normally to be administered prior to bedtime or in the morning upon awakening would be formulated to achieve the following dissolution profile:

a) from 0 to 35% of the total diltiazem is released after 2 hours of measurement in said apparatus;

b) from 5 to 45% of the total diltiazem is released after 4 hours of measurement in said apparatus;

c) from 30 to 75% of the total diltiazem is released after 8 hours of measurement in said apparatus;

d) from 60 to 95% of the total diltiazem is released after 13 hours of measurement in said apparatus; and

e) not less than 85% of the total diltiazem is released after 24 hours of measurement in said apparatus.

The time of administration discussed above for once-daily administration of drugs is also applicable to twice-daily formulations. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that twice-daily products may be formulated within selected subdivisions depending on the preferred time of administration.

The invention thus further provides a diltiazem pellet formulation according to the above which is effective for twice-daily administration wherein the in vitro dissolution rate has the following pattern:

a) from 5 to 35% of the total diltiazem is released after 2 hours of measurement in said apparatus;

b) from 35 to 85% of the total diltiazem is released after 6 hours of measurement in said apparatus; and

c) 100% of the total diltiazem is released no earlier than after 8 hours of measurement in said apparatus.

A particularly preferred diltiazem formulation which is effective for twice-daily administration is one wherein the in vitro dissolution rate has the following pattern:

a) from 5 to 35% of the total diltiazem is released after 2 hours of measurement in said apparatus;

b) from 55 to 80% of the total diltiazem is released after 6 hours of measurement in said apparatus; and

c) not less than 85% of the total diltiazem is released after 24 hours of measurement in said apparatus.

Whereas the formulation of U.S. Pat. No. 4,721,619 is eminently suitable for twice-daily administration of diltiazem, the Applicants have found in the case of the present invention that peak plasma levels of 10 to 19 hours are essential in satisfying accepted criteria for once-daily administration of diltiazem, with preferred levels occurring within 12-14 hours. The present invention achieves this extension in time to peak plasma level as defined herein by tmax.

The invention also provides a controlled absorption diltiazem formulation for once-daily oral administration, comprising pellets as hereinbefore defined, said formulation including a sufficient quantity of a rapid release form of diltiazem so as to have a dissolution rate which when measured in a type 2 dissolution apparatus (paddle) according to U.S. Pharmacopoeia XXI in 0.05 M KCl at pH 7.0 substantially corresponds to the following dissolution pattern:

a) from 5 to 35% of the total diltiazem is released after 2 hours of measurement in said apparatus;

b) from 10 to 60% of the total diltiazem is released after 4 hours of measurement in said apparatus;

c) from 30 to 90% of the total diltiazem is released after a total of 8 hours of measurement in said apparatus;

d) from 60 to 100% of the total diltiazem is released after 13 hours of measurement in said apparatus; and

e) not less than 85% of the total diltiazem is released after 24 hours of measurement in said apparatus.

Preferably, the once-daily formulation comprises a blend of pellets as hereinbefore defined together with up to 25% by weight of said rapid release form of diltiazem.

Most preferably, the rapid release form of diltiazem comprises pellets as hereinbefore defined without said membrane.

Preferably, the diltiazem is in the form of a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, more particularly the hydrochloride salt thereof.

The organic acid is preferably represented by one or more of the following acids: adipic acid, ascorbic acid, citric acid, fumaric acid, malic acid, succinic acid or tartaric acid. Especially preferred acids are adipic acid, fumaric acid and succinic acid. The diltiazem component and organic acid are preferably present in a ratio of from 10:1 and 2:1, more especially 6:1 to 3:1.

The core also optionally contains a lubricant which is represented by one or more of the following: sodium stearate, magnesium stearate, stearic acid or talc. The diltiazem and lubricant are preferably present in a ratio of from 5:1 to 100:1 for the once-daily formulation. The preferred diltiazem and lubricant ratio for the twice-daily formulation is from 0.5:1 to 45:1.

Preferably, the core comprises diltiazem or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof and the associated organic acid embedded in a polymeric material. The diltiazem component and polymeric material are preferably present in a ratio of from 1:1 to 100:1, more particularly from 5:1 to 30:1. The polymeric material may be rapidly soluble in water or, alternatively, may be freely permeable to diltiazem and water.

Suitably, the core comprises:

a) a powder mixture containing diltiazem or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, an organic acid selected from adipic acid, ascorbic acid, citric acid, fumaric acid, malic acid, succinic acid and tartaric acid, and

b) a polymeric material containing a major proportion of a pharmaceutically acceptable water soluble synthetic polymer and a minor proportion of a pharmaceutically acceptable water insoluble synthetic polymer,

said core comprising layers of said powder mixture and said polymeric material superimposed one upon the other and said polymeric material being present in an amount effective to ensure that all of said powder mixture is coated into said core.

The term water soluble polymer as used herein includes polymers which are freely permeable to water such as Eudragit RL. Likewise, the term water insoluble polymer as used herein includes polymers which are slightly permeable to water such as Eudragit RS.

The polymeric material preferably consists solely of a water soluble polymer or a polymer which is freely permeable to diltiazem and water. Alternatively, the polymeric material of the core may include a minor proportion of water insoluble polymer or a polymer which is slightly permeable to diltiazem and water. The ratio of water soluble/freely permeable to water insoluble/slightly permeable polymer is determined by the particular combination of polymers selected. However, in the case of a core including a water soluble polymer and a water insoluble polymer, the ratio of water soluble polymer to water insoluble polymer will normally be in the range of 1:1 to 50:1, more especially 3:1 to 9:1.

The water soluble polymer is suitably polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinylpyrrolidone, methyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose or polyethylene glycol or a mixture thereof. An especially preferred water soluble polymer is polyvinylpyrrolidone.

A suitable polymer which is freely permeable to diltiazem and water is a polymer sold under the Trade Mark EUDRAGIT RL.

The water insoluble polymer is suitably ethylcellulose, cellulose acetate, cellulose propionate (lower, medium or higher molecular weight), cellulose acetate propionate, cellulose acetate butyrate, cellulose acetate phthalate, cellulose triacetate, poly(methyl methacrylate), poly(ethyl methacrylate), poly(butyl methacrylate), poly(isobutyl methacrylate), and poly(hexyl methacrylate), poly(isodecyl methacrylate), poly(lauryl methacrylate), poly(phenyl methacrylate), poly(methyl acrylate), poly(isopropyl acrylate), poly(isobutyl acrylate), poly(octadecyl acrylate), poly(ethylene), poly(ethylene) low density, poly(ethylene) high density, poly(propylene), poly(ethylene oxide), poly(ethylene terephthalate), poly(vinyl isobutyl ether), poly(vinyl acetate), poly(vinyl chloride) or polyurethane or a mixture thereof.

A suitable polymer which is slightly permeable to diltiazem and water is a polymer sold under the Trade Mark EUDRAGIT RS or a polymer whose permeability is pH dependent and sold under the Trade Mark EUDRAGIT L, EUDRAGIT S or EUDRAGIT E.

EUDRAGIT polymers are polymeric lacquer substances based on acrylates and/or methacrylates.

Polymeric materials sold under the Trade Marks EUDRAGIT RL and EUDRAGIT RS are acrylic resins comprising copolymers of acrylic and methacrylic acid esters with a low content of quaternary ammonium groups and are described in the "EUDRAGIT" brochure of Messrs. Rohm Pharma GmbH (1985) wherein detailed physical-chemical data of these products is given. The ammonium groups are present as salts and give rise to the permeability of the lacquer films. EUDRAGIT RL and RS are freely permeable (RL) or slightly permeable (RS), respectively, independent of pH.

EUDRAGIT L is an anionic polymer synthesized from methacrylic acid and methacrylic acid methyl ester. It is insoluble in acids and pure water. It becomes soluble in a neutral to weakly alkaline milieu by forming salts with alkalis. The permeability of EUDRAGIT L is pH dependent. Above pH 5.0, the polymer becomes increasingly permeable. EUDRAGIT L is described in the "EUDRAGIT L" brochure of Messrs. Rohm Pharma GmbH (1986) wherein detailed physical-chemical data of the product is given.

The core suitably has between 50 and 200 layers of the core-forming materials and is built up in a manner known per se.

Preferably, the multi-layer arrangement of diltiazem, organic acid and polymeric material is built up on a central inert core in a conventional coating pan. The core suitably consists of a non-pareil bead or seed of sugar/starch having an average diameter in the range 0.4-0.8 mm, especially 0.5-0.6 mm for a twice-daily formulation and especially 0.6-0.71 mm for a once-daily formulation. Alternatively, the diltiazem, organic acid and polymeric material may be built up on a central inert core as hereinbefore defined in an automated coating system, for example, a CF granulator.

The core may also include further components to those specified above such as a dispersing agent, glidant and/or surfactant.

The diltiazem, organic acid and optional other components are blended to form a homogenous powder. The blend is suitably passed through an appropriate mesh screen using a milling machine. In the case of coating in a conventional coating pan, alternate layers of a coating solution/suspension of the polymeric material and the powder are applied to the central inert core so as to build up the multi-layer arrangement of the active core.

In the case of an automatic coating system, the coating solution/suspension of the polymeric material and the powder are applied simultaneously, in conventional manner. The coating solution/suspension of the polmeric material comprises one or more polymers dissolved/suspended in a suitable solvent or mixture of solvents. The concentration of the polymeric material in the coating solution/suspension is determined by the viscosity of the final solution/suspension. Preferably, between 10 and 40 parts of inert cores are used relative to the homogenous powder. The addition of a plasticizing agent to the polymeric solution/suspension may be necessary depending on the formulation to improve the elasticity and also the stability of the polymer film and to prevent changes in the polymer permeability over prolonged storage. Such changes could affect the drug release rate. Suitable plasticizing agents include polyethylene glycol, propylene glycol, glycerol, triacetin, dimethyl phthalate, diethyl phthalate, dibutyl phthalate, dibutyl sebacate, triethyl citrate, tributyl citrate, triethyl acetyl citrate, castor oil and varying percentages of acetylated monoglycerides.

Preferred coating materials include--solutions/suspension of the polymers cited for use in the application of the powder blend to the central inert core in a suitable organic/aqueous carrier medium.

As indicated above, the membrane of the film-forming polymer or mixture of polymers surrounding the core preferably has a major proportion of a water insoluble polymer and optionally a minor proportion of a water soluble polymer, the ratio of water insoluble to water soluble polymer (when present) being determined by the inherent solubility characteristics of the polymer selected.

The membrane may also be composed of a proportion of a polymer which is slightly permeable to diltiazem and water and a proportion of a polymer which is freely permeable to diltiazem and water, the ratio of slightly permeable to freely permeable polymer being determined by the inherent permeability of the respective polymers. The terms "water soluble" and "water insoluble" polymer embrace such polymers as indicated above.

A suitable combination of a polymer which is slightly permeable to diltiazem and water and a polymer which is freely permeable to diltiazem and water is EUDRAGIT RS and EUDRAGIT RL in a ratio of from 1:1 to 50:1, especially 2:1 to 10:1. The membrane may also include a combination of water soluble/water insoluble polymers and polymers which are freely permeable/slightly permeable to diltiazem and water.

The membrane may also comprise a mixture of polymers that are water soluble, freely permeable, water insoluble, slightly permeable and polymers whose permeability/solubility is affected by pH.

Especially suitable polymers for the membrane include:

Polyvinylpyrrolidone, ethylcellulose, Eudragit RL, Eudragit L, Eudragit E, Eudragit S, cellulose acetate and polyvinyl alcohol. Commercially available ready-made polymeric solutions/suspensions are also especially preferred. These ready made solutions/suspensions may optionally contain plasticizing agents to improve the polymer film as described previously. Examples of ready-made solutions/suspensions of polymeric material with or without plasticizing agent include Eudragit RL 30D, Eudragit L 30D, Eudragit E 12.5, Eudragit RL 12.5 P, Eudragit RS 12.5, (Eudragit being a Trade Mark of Rohm and Haas, whose technical brochures describe the differences between the products), Aquacoat (a Trade Mark of FMC Corporation) and Sure-lease (a Trade Mark of Colorcon Inc.).

The membrane may be built up by applying a plurality of coats of membrane polymer solution or suspension to the core as hereinafter described. The membrane solution or suspension contains the polymer(s) dissolved or suspended, respectively, in a suitable aqueous or organic solvent or mixture of solvents, optionally in the presence of a lubricant. Suitable lubricants are talc, stearic acid, magnesium stearate and sodium stearate. A particularly preferred lubricant is talc. The membrane, polymer or mixture of polymers may optionally include a plasticizing agent, the function and choice of which has been previously described.

Preferably, the number of coats of membrane solution or suspension applied is between 20 and 600. The dissolution rate achieved is proportionally slower as the number of membrane coats increases.

The membrane solution or suspension may be applied to the active cores in a conventional coating pan as indicated or, alternatively, using an automated system such as a CF granulator, for example a FREUND CF granulator, a GLATT fluidized bed processor, an AEROMATIC, a modified ACCELA-COTA or any other suitably automated bead coating equipment (FREUND, GLATT, AEROMATIC and ACCELA-COTA are all Trade Marks).

Preferably 2-25 ml of membrane solution/suspension is applied per coat per kilogram of active cores. In an automated system the total amount of membrane solution/suspension applied to the active cores is the same as that applied in a conventional coating pan, expect that the membrane solution/suspension is applied continuously.

Preferably, when a coating pan is used the membrane is applied at a rate of 20-30 coats between each drying step until all of the coats have been applied. Between applications the pellets are dried for more than 12 hours at a temperature of 50°-60° C., most suitably 55° C.

In an automated system the membrane is preferably applied at a rate which is equivalent to the application of 20-30 coats/day. After each application of this amount of membrane solution/suspension, the pellets are dried at the temperature and for the length of time specified for coating in a coating pan.

In an automated coating system the rate of application of membrane solution/suspension is suitably 0.5-10 g/kg of cores/min. The rate of application of lubricant such as talc is also suitably 0.5-10 g/kg of cores/min.

The pellets may be filled into hard or soft gelatine capsules. The pellets may also be compressed into tablets using a binder and/or hardening agent commonly employed in tabletting such as microcrystalline cellulose sold under the Trade Mark "AVICEL" or a co-crystallised powder of highly modified dextrins (3% by weight) and sucrose sold under the Trade Mark "DI-PAC" in such a way that the specific dissolution rate of the pellets is maintained.

In the management of cardiovascular disorders, it is often beneficial and desirable to target one or more vectors of the intricate internal blood pressure control system in order to achieve maximum therapeutic effect. For example, in addition to blocking the influx of calcium ions it may be desirable to inhibit angiotension converting enzyme (ACE), the activity of which is known to increase blood pressure by promoting vasoconstriction of the arterioles and sodium retention. To this end, this invention also relates to a pharmaceutical formulation of diltiazem and an ACE-inhibitor in an oral dosage form suitable for concomitant and combined administration providing for controlled release over a 24 hour period when given once or twice daily.

For combined use, the ACE-inhibitor or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof and the diltiazem or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof as defined herein are contained in a single dosage form to achieve desired plasma profiles for either once-daily or twice-daily administration.

The ACE-inhibitor can be combined with the sustained release diltiazem formulations either as pure active ingredient or active cores produced substantially in the same manner as discussed above for the diltiazem active cores. Both the diltiazem and the ACE-inhibitor may be formulated in the same active core.

For concomitant use, the ACE-inhibitor or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof and the diltiazem or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof as defined herein are contained in discrete dosage forms to achieve desired plasma profiles for either once-daily or twice-daily administration of the two active ingredients.

In a once-daily formulation, the amount of ACE-inhibitor present is no greater than that amount given as the normal daily dosage. It follows that a twice-daily formulation contains half the amount of ACE-inhibitor given as the normal daily dosage. Normally, the ratio of diltiazem to ACE-inhibitor will be between 50:1 and 1:5, preferably 20:1 to 1:1.

As will be appreciated, however, by those skilled in the art, both drugs exert an effect on the cardiovascular system but through different routes of action. For example, in controlling hypertension, each drug may be used in combination in daily amounts less than that which would be used when each drug is used alone.

Suitable ACE-inhibitors include captopril, fosenopril, enalapril, ramipril, zofenopril, quinapril, cilazapril, spirapril, lisinopril, delapril, pivalopril, fentiapril, indolapril, alacepril, tiapamil (N-(3,4-dimethoxyphenethyl)-3-[2-(3, 4-dimethoxyphenyl)-1,3-dithian-2-yl]-N-methylpropylamine 1,1,3,3-tetraoxide), pentopril, rentiapril and perindopril.

Preferred ACE-inhibitors include captopril and enalapril.

According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided use of diltiazem or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof for the manufacture of a medicament for the control of hypertension and the symptoms of angina over a twenty-four hour period following administration of a single therapeutically effective dose thereof. Furthermore, in accordance with the invention one may administer once-daily in combination or concomitantly with the diltiazem or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof a single therapeutically effective dose of an ACE-inhibitor as hereinabove defined.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the accompanying drawings:

FIG. 1 is a graph of plasma levels (ng/ml) of diltiazem versus time after administration (hours) for the diltiazem formulation prepared in Example 13 (curve a) compared with a diltiazem formulation prepared in accordance with our U.S. Pat. No. 4,721,619 (curve b);

FIG. 2 is a graph of plasma levels (ng/ml) of diltiazem versus time after administration (hours) for the diltiazem formulation prepared in Example 14 (curve a) compared with a diltiazem formulation prepared in accordance with our U.S. Pat. No. 4,721,619 (curve b);

FIG. 3 is a graph of plasma levels (ng/ml) of diltiazem versus time after administration (hours) for the diltiazem formulation prepared in Example 15 (curve a) compared with conventional tablets (curve b);

FIG. 4 is a graph of dissolution (%) versus time (hours) of a batch of pellets prepared in accordance with Example 15, stored under ambient conditions as hereinafter described, and tested at different times after manufacture;

FIG. 5 is a graph of dissolution (%) versus time (hours) of a batch of pellets prepared in accordance with Example 15, `stored` under accelerated conditions as hereinafter described and tested at different times after manufacture; and

FIG. 6 is a graph of dissolution (%) versus time (hours) of a batch of pellets prepared in accordance with Example 1 of our U.S. Pat. No. 4,721,619 `stored` under accelerated conditions as hereinafter described, and tested at different times after manufacture.

The invention will be further illustrated by the following Examples:

EXAMPLE 1

Diltiazem hydrochloride (40 kg), fumaric acid (10 kg) and talc (4 kg) were blended and milled through a suitable mesh screen so as to obtain a homogenous powder.

The powder was applied to starch/sugar seeds (0.6-0.71 mm diameter) (10 kg) using a FREUND CF granulator and a coating solution of:

9% polyvinylpyrrolidone in ethanol

A membrane was then applied to the active cores by spraying on a solution consisting of:

    ______________________________________                                         12.5% EUDRAGIT RS in 40 parts by weight                                        acetone/isopropanol 40:60                                                      12.5% EUDRAGIT RL in 10 parts by weight                                        acetone/isopropanol 40:60                                                      Isopropanol          50 parts by weight                                        ______________________________________                                    

While at the same time but separately dusting on talc (100 parts by weight) in conventional manner. The ratio of membrane solution to talc was 1:0.62 viz. 0.62 grams of talc is applied per gram of membrane solution. A sufficient amount of membrane solution and talc was applied to 50 kg of active cores to achieve the following dissolution profile given below.

The finished pellets were dried to evaporate all solvents prior to performing the dissolution test. The dissolution rate of the pellets was tested by the method of the U.S. Pharmacopoeia XXI Paddle Method in 0.05 M KCl, at pH 7.0 and at 100 r.p.m.

The diltiazem hydrochloride was quantitively determined using u.v. spectrophotometry at 237 nm. The dissolution rate was as follows:

    ______________________________________                                                     % Diltiazem Hydrochloride                                          Time (hours)                                                                               released                                                           ______________________________________                                         2           2.3                                                                4           17.7                                                               8           49.0                                                               13          76.5                                                               24          95.7                                                               ______________________________________                                    

EXAMPLE 2

Example 1 was repeated except that the application of membrane-forming suspension was continued until the following dissolution profile was obtained.

The dissolution rate of the pellets so prepared was determined according to the procedure of Example 1 and was found to be as follows:

    ______________________________________                                                     % Diltiazem Hydrochloride                                          Time (hours)                                                                               release                                                            ______________________________________                                         2           0.8                                                                4           13.8                                                               8           52.6                                                               13          80.4                                                               24          98.1                                                               ______________________________________                                    

EXAMPLE 3

Diltiazem hydrochloride (40 kg), fumaric acid (10 kg) and talc (4 kg) were blended and milled through a No. 50 mesh screen so as to obtain a homogenous powder.

The powder was applied to starch/sugar seeds (0.6-0.71 mm diameter) (10 kg) employing a granulator using a coating solution of:

9% polyvinylpyrrolidone in ethanol

A membrane was then applied to the active cores by spraying on a solution consisting of:

    ______________________________________                                         12.5% EUDRAGIT RS in 41 parts by weight                                        acetone/isopropanol 40:60                                                      12.5% EUDRAGIT RL in 10 parts by weight                                        acetone/isopropanol                                                            Isopropanol          49 parts by weight                                        ______________________________________                                    

while at the same time but separately dusting on talc (100 parts by weight) in conventional manner. The ratio of membrane solution to talc applied was 1:0.62 viz. 0.62 grams of talc is applied per gram of membrane solution. A sufficient amount of membrane solution (includes solvents) and talc was applied to 50 kg of active cores to achieve a dissolution rate of the pellets (determined in the manner set out in Example 1) as follows:

    ______________________________________                                                     % Diltiazem Hydrochloride                                          Time (hours)                                                                               released                                                           ______________________________________                                         2           0.7                                                                4           16.8                                                               8           62.9                                                               13          87.6                                                               24          98.7                                                               ______________________________________                                    

An amount of the sustained release pellets so prepared (85% by weight of active ingredient) was combined with an amount (15% by weight of active ingredient) of immediate release pellets corresponding to active cores without the membrane. The dissolution rate of the blend so prepared was determined and was found to be as follows:

    ______________________________________                                                     % Diltiazem Hydrochloride                                          Time (hours)                                                                               released                                                           ______________________________________                                         2           24.70                                                              4           40.30                                                              8           70.10                                                              13          89.30                                                              24          98.90                                                              ______________________________________                                    

EXAMPLE 4

Example 3 was repeated except that a sufficient amount of membrane solution (includes solvents) and magnesium stearate was applied to 50 kg of active cores, to achieve a dissolution rate of the pellets (determined in the manner set out in Example 1) as follows:

    ______________________________________                                                     % Diltiazem Hydrochloride                                          Time (hours)                                                                               released                                                           ______________________________________                                         2           0.35                                                               4           5.10                                                               8           33.90                                                              13          69.60                                                              24          95.20                                                              ______________________________________                                    

An amount of the pellets (85% by weight) so prepared was combined with an amount of active cores (15% by weight), which active cores release all of their diltiazem hydrochloride in approximately 30 minutes and the dissolution rate of the blend so prepared was measured in the manner set out in Example 1 and was found to be as follows:

    ______________________________________                                                     % Diltiazem Hydrochloride                                          Time (hours)                                                                               released                                                           ______________________________________                                         2           11.30                                                              4           15.75                                                              8           49.50                                                              13          81.85                                                              24          96.95                                                              ______________________________________                                    

EXAMPLE 5

Diltiazem hydrochloride (1.0 kg), adipic acid (0.5 kg) and talc (0.100 kg) were blended and milled through a No. 50 mesh screen so as to obtain a homogenous powder.

The powder was applied to starch/sugar seeds (0.6-0.71 mm diameter) (0.5 kg) in a standard coating pan using a coating solution of:

    ______________________________________                                         10% polyvinylpyrrolidone                                                                            80 parts by weight                                        in isopropanol                                                                 5% ethylcellulose    20 parts by weight                                        in isopropanol                                                                 ______________________________________                                    

The seeds were coated with a measured volume of coating solution followed by dusting on of a measured weight of the powder mix. The coated seeds were allowed to dry and the coating step repeated until all of the powder had been applied. The coated seeds defining active cores were then dried overnight to remove all traces of solvent.

The active cores of the pellets being prepared were then surrounded by a membrane solution consisting of:

    ______________________________________                                         5% ethylcellulose in 90 parts by weight                                        isopropanol                                                                    5% polyvinylpyrrolidone                                                                             10 parts by weight                                        in isopropanol                                                                 ______________________________________                                    

Each coat of membrane solution comprises 5 ml of solution per kg of coated seeds. After each coat had been applied the pellets were air dried in the coating pan.

The finished pellets were then subjected to a dissolution test. Prior to performing the dissolution test the pellets were dried to evaporate all of the solvent.

The dissolution rate of the pellets was tested by the method of U.S. Pharmacopoeia XXI (Paddle Method) according to the procedure of Example 1. The dissolution rate was as follows:

    ______________________________________                                                     % Diltiazem Hydrochloride                                          Time (hours)                                                                               released                                                           ______________________________________                                         2            1.50                                                              4           11.20                                                              8           45.60                                                              13          75.30                                                              24          95.10                                                              ______________________________________                                    

EXAMPLE 6

Example 5 was repeated except that the coating solution used was:

    ______________________________________                                         7.5% cellulose acetate                                                                           20 parts by volume                                           in isopropanol                                                                 7.5% polyvinylpyrrolidone                                                                        80 parts by volume                                           in isopropanol                                                                 ______________________________________                                    

The membrane suspension used was:

    ______________________________________                                         7.5% polyvinylpyrrolidone                                                                         10 parts by volume                                          in isopropanol                                                                 7.5% cellulose acetate                                                                            90 parts by volume                                          in isopropanol                                                                 isopropanol       100 parts by volume                                          talc              100 parts by weight                                          ______________________________________                                    

The dissolution rate of the pellets, which was measured according to the procedure followed in Example 1 was found to be:

    ______________________________________                                                     % Diltiazem Hydrochloride                                          Time (hours)                                                                               released                                                           ______________________________________                                         2            0.10                                                              4            8.50                                                              8           42.10                                                              13          65.70                                                              24          94.50                                                              ______________________________________                                    

EXAMPLE 7

Example 6 was repeated except that 0.75 kg starch/sugar seeds (0.05-0.6 mm) were used.

The coating solution consisted of:

    ______________________________________                                         5% EUDRAGIT RL in acetone/                                                                         80 parts by weight                                         isopropanol 40:60                                                              5% EUDRAGIT RS in acetone/                                                                         20 parts by weight                                         isopropanol 40:60                                                              ______________________________________                                    

The membrane suspension consisted of:

    ______________________________________                                         5% EUDRAGIT RL in acetone/                                                                         20 parts by weight                                         isopropanol 40:60                                                              5% EUDRAGIT RS in acetone/                                                                         40 parts by weight                                         isopropanol 40:60                                                              5% EUDRAGIT L in acetone/                                                                          40 parts by weight                                         isopropanol 40:60                                                              Talc                100 parts by weight                                        ______________________________________                                    

The membrane suspension was applied and the product dried as in Example 5.

The dissolution rate was as follows:

    ______________________________________                                                     % Diltiazem Hydrochloride                                          Time (hours)                                                                               released                                                           ______________________________________                                         2           0.30                                                               4           12.60                                                              8           54.30                                                              13          79.30                                                              24          99.20                                                              ______________________________________                                    

EXAMPLE 8

Diltiazem hydrochloride (3.067 kg) was blended together with an amount of sustained release pellets (39.932 kg) prepared in Example 3 along with Avicel pH101 (5.0 kg), cross-linked polyvinylpyrrolidone (1.75 kg) and magnesium stearate (0.25 kg).

The resulting blend was tabletted to obtain a tablet containing 240 mg diltiazem as the hydrochloride salt.

The dissolution rate of the tablets was tested by the method of the U.S. Pharmacopoeia XXI (Paddle Method) according to Example 1.

The dissolution rate was as follows:

    ______________________________________                                                     % Diltiazem Hydrochloride                                          Time (hours)                                                                               released                                                           ______________________________________                                         2           22.6                                                               4           41.5                                                               8           69.8                                                               13          89.5                                                               24          98.9                                                               ______________________________________                                    

EXAMPLE 9

Diltiazem hydrochloride (3.0 kg), succinic acid (0.35 kg) and talc (0.3 kg) were blended and milled through a No. 100 mesh screen so as to obtain a homogenous powder.

The powder was applied to starch/sugar seeds (0.6-0.71 mm diameter) (0.75 kg) in a standard coating pan using a coating solution of:

9% polyvinylpyrrolidone in isopropanol

The seeds were coated with a measured volume of coating solution followed by dusting on of a measured weight of the powder mix. The coated seeds were allowed to dry and the coating step repeated until all of the powder had been applied. The coated seeds defining the active cores of the pellet were then dried overnight to remove all traces of solvent.

The active cores of the pellet being prepared were then surrounded by a membrane by applying sequential coats of a suspension consisting of:

    ______________________________________                                         12.5% EUDRAGIT RS in                                                                               53.33 parts by weight                                      acetone/isopropanol 40:60                                                      12.5% EUDRAGIT RL in                                                                               13.33 parts by weight                                      acetone/isopropanol 40:60                                                      Talc                33.33 parts by weight                                      ______________________________________                                    

After each coat had been applied the pellets were air dried in the coating pan.

Finished pellets were then subjected to a dissolution test. Prior to performing the dissolution test, the pellets were dried to evaporate all of the solvent. Application of the membrane-forming suspension and drying were continued until the following dissolution profile was obtained.

The dissolution rate of the pellets was tested by the method of U.S. Pharmacopoeia XXI (Paddle Method) in 0.05 M KCl at pH 7.0 and at 100 r.p.m.

The diltiazem hydrochloride was quantitatively determined using a uv spectrophotometer at 237 nm. The dissolution rate was as follows:

    ______________________________________                                                     % Diltiazem Hydrochloride                                          Time (hours)                                                                               released                                                           ______________________________________                                         2           1.7                                                                4           10.7                                                               8           50.6                                                               13          79.9                                                               24          101.4                                                              ______________________________________                                    

EXAMPLE 10

Pellets were prepared using the ingredients and manufacturing process of Example 9 and having the following dissolution profile.

    ______________________________________                                                    % Diltiazem Hydrochloride                                           Time (h)   released                                                            ______________________________________                                         2          16.7                                                                4          26.9                                                                8          60.6                                                                13         81.7                                                                24         96.5                                                                ______________________________________                                    

If desired, the same dissolution profile as given in Example 10 can be obtained by blending a proportion (5-20% by weight) of active cores with pellets as prepared in Example 9.

EXAMPLE 11

Example 1 was repeated except that 2.0 kg of diltiazem hydrochloride, 0.5 kg of fumaric acid and 0.2 kg of talc were used and a sufficient amount of membrane solution and talc was applied to achieve the following dissolution profile:

    ______________________________________                                                    % Diltiazem Hydrochloride                                           Time (h)   released                                                            ______________________________________                                         2           1.2                                                                4           0.8                                                                6           5.5                                                                8          16.2                                                                10         32.6                                                                13         55.1                                                                24         98.2                                                                ______________________________________                                    

EXAMPLE 12

Example 11 was repeated except that a sufficient amount of membrane solution and talc was applied to achieve the following dissolution profile:

    ______________________________________                                                    % Diltiazem Hydrochloride                                           Time (h)   released                                                            ______________________________________                                         2          0.6                                                                 4          0.5                                                                 6          1.8                                                                 8          8.8                                                                 10         22.3                                                                13         45.3                                                                24         94.4                                                                ______________________________________                                    

EXAMPLE 13

Diltiazem hydrochloride (10.0 kg), fumaric acid (2.5 kg) and talc (1.0 kg) were blended and milled through a No. 50 mesh screen so as to obtain a homogenous powder.

The powder was applied to starch/sugar seeds (0.6-0.71 mm diameter) (5.0 kg) in a standard coating pan using a coating solution of:

    ______________________________________                                         10% Polyvinylpyrrolidone                                                                            75    parts by weight                                     in isopropanol                                                                 5% Ethylcellulose in methanol/                                                                      20    parts by weight                                     methylene chloride 50/50                                                       5% Polyvinylchloride 4.5   parts by weight                                     in acetone                                                                     Dibutyl phthalate    0.1   parts by weight                                     ______________________________________                                    

The seeds were coated with a measured volume of coating solution followed by dusting on of a measured weight of the powder mix. The coated seeds were allowed to dry and the coating step repeated until all of the powder had been applied. The coated seeds were then dried at 45° C. overnight.

The coated seeds defining the active core of the pellets being prepared were then surrounded by an outer membrane consisting of:

    ______________________________________                                         5% Eudragit RS in   80    parts by weight                                      acetone/isopropanol                                                            5% Eudragit RL in   15    parts by weight                                      acetone/isopropanol                                                            5% Polyvinylchloride                                                                               5     parts by weight                                      in acetone                                                                     Talc                99    parts by weight                                      Dibutyl phthalate   1     part by weight                                       ______________________________________                                    

A volume equivalent to 5 ml per kg of coated seeds was applied to the seeds in a standard coating pan. After each coat had been applied the pellets were air dried in the coating pan.

At regular intervals the pellets were placed in an oven and allowed to dry for more than twelve hours.

The pellets were then returned to the coating pan and the process of coating, followed by drying to remove solvents, was continued.

The finished pellets were then subjected to a dissolution test. The dissolution rate of the pellets was tested by the method of U.S. Pharmacopoeia XXI (Paddle Method) in 0.05 M KCl adjusted to pH 7.0 and was found to be as follows:

    ______________________________________                                                     % Diltiazem hydrochloride                                          Time (hours)                                                                               released                                                           ______________________________________                                         2           8.7                                                                6           62.8                                                               13          92.0                                                               ______________________________________                                    

EXAMPLE 14

Example 13 was repeated except starch/sugar seeds 0.5-0.6 mm were used.

The coating solution used was:

    ______________________________________                                         17.5% Polyvinylpyrrolidone                                                                          90 parts by weight                                        in isopropanol                                                                 10.0% Cellulose acetate                                                                             10 parts by weight                                        in methylene chloride                                                          ______________________________________                                    

The membrane suspension used was:

    ______________________________________                                         12.5% Eudragit RS in                                                                            90 parts by weight                                            acetone/isopropanol                                                            12.5% Eudragit RL in                                                                            10 parts by weight                                            acetone/isopropanol                                                            Talc            100 parts by weight                                            Isopropanol     100 parts by weight                                            ______________________________________                                    

At regular intervals the pellets were placed in an oven and dried at 55° C. for more than twelve hours to remove solvents as in Example 13. The dissolution rate was tested according to the U.S. Pharmacopoeia XXI (Paddle Method). The results were as follows:

    ______________________________________                                                     % Diltiazem hydrochloride                                          Time (hours)                                                                               released                                                           ______________________________________                                         2           28.0                                                               6           69.0                                                               13          94.0                                                               ______________________________________                                    

EXAMPLE 15

Diltiazem hydrochloride (40 kg), fumaric acid (10 kg) and talc (4.0 kg) were blended and milled through a No. 50 mesh screen so as to obtain a homogenous powder.

The powder so obtained was applied to starch/sugar seeds (20 kg) 0.5-0.6 mm in diameter, in a FREUND CF granulator using a coating solution of:

9.0% polyvinylpyrrolidone in isopropanol

The seeds were coated with a measured volume of coating solution followed by dusting on of a measured weight of the powder mix. The coated seeds were allowed to dry and the coating step repeated until all of the powder had been applied. The coated seeds were then dried at 55° C. overnight to remove solvent.

The coated seeds defining the active core of the pellet being prepared were then surrounded by an outer membrane. The membrane suspension used was:

    ______________________________________                                         12.5% Eudragit RS in                                                                            80 parts by weight                                            acetone/isopropanol                                                            12.5% Eudragit RL in                                                                            20 parts by weight                                            acetone/isopropanol                                                            Talc            100 parts by weight                                            Isopropanol     100 parts by weight                                            ______________________________________                                    

The seeds were then coated in a CF granulator with the membrane suspension and dried at regular intervals at 55° C. for 16 hours to remove solvents.

The finished pellets were then subjected to a dissolution test. The dissolution rate of the pellets was tested by the method of U.S. Pharmacopoeia XXI (Paddle Method) in 0.05 M KCl adjusted to pH 7.0 and was found to be as follows:

    ______________________________________                                                     % Diltiazem hydrochloride                                          Time (hours)                                                                               released                                                           ______________________________________                                         2           22.3                                                               6           65.4                                                               13          88.0                                                               ______________________________________                                    

EXAMPLE 16

Diltiazem hydrochloride (3.0 kg), succinic acid (0.5 kg) and talc (0.3 kg) were blended and milled through a No. 50 mesh screen so as to obtain a homogenous powder.

The powder was applied to starch/sugar seeds (0.6-0.71 mm diameter) (0.75 kg) in a standard coating pan using a coating solution of:

9% Polyvinylpyrrolidone in isopropanol 100 parts by weight

The active cores of the pellet being prepared were then surrounded by a membrane by applying coats of a suspension consisting of:

    ______________________________________                                         12.5% EUDRAGIT RS in                                                                               20    parts by weight                                      acetone/isopropanol 40:60                                                      12.5% EUDRAGIT RL in                                                                               20    parts by weight                                      acetone/isopropanol 40:60                                                      12.5% EUDRAGIT L in 10    parts by weight                                      acetone/isopropanol 40:60                                                      Talc                49    parts by weight                                      Dimethyl phthalate  1     part by weight                                       ______________________________________                                    

After each coat had been applied the pellets were air dried in the coating pan. At regular intervals the pellets were placed in an oven and dried at 55° C. for more than twelve hours to remove solvent as in Example 13.

Finished pellets were then subjected to a dissolution test. The dissolution rate of the pellets was tested by the method of the U.S. Pharmacopoeia XXI (Paddle Method) in 0.05 M KCl at pH 7.0 and at 100 r.p.m.

The dissolution rate was as follows:

    ______________________________________                                                     % Diltiazem hydrochloride                                          Time (hours)                                                                               released                                                           ______________________________________                                         2           18.9                                                               6           63.4                                                               13          89.6                                                               ______________________________________                                    

EXAMPLE 17

Diltiazem hydrochloride (40 kg), fumaric acid (10 kg) and talc (4 kg) were blended and milled through a No. 50 mesh screen.

The powder was applied to starch/sugar seeds (0.5-0.6 mm diameter) with a FREUND CF granulator using a coating solution of:

    ______________________________________                                         8% Polyvinylpyrrolidone                                                                            90 parts by weight                                         in ethanol                                                                     10% Ethocel (Ethocel is                                                                           9.8 parts by weight                                         a Trade Mark) in isopropanol                                                   Diethyl phthalate  0.2 parts by weight                                         ______________________________________                                    

A membrane was then applied to the active cores by spraying on a suspension consisting of:

    ______________________________________                                         12.5% EUDRAGIT RL in                                                                               10     parts by weight                                     acetone/isopropanol 40:60                                                      12.5% EUDRAGIT RS in                                                                               40     parts by weight                                     acetone/isopropanol 40:60                                                      Isopropanol         48.75  parts by weight                                     Tributyl citrate    1.25   parts by weight                                     ______________________________________                                    

While simultaneously but separately dusting on talc (100 parts by weight) in conventional manner.

A sufficient amount of membrane suspension and talc was applied to achieve a dissolution rate of the pellets, when measured according to U.S. Pharmacopoeia XXI (Paddle Method) as per Example 13, as follows:

    ______________________________________                                                     % Diltiazem hydrochloride                                          Time (hours)                                                                               released                                                           ______________________________________                                         2           24.3                                                               6           71.6                                                               13          98.3                                                               ______________________________________                                    

EXAMPLE 18

Example 16 was repeated except the application solution consisted of:

    ______________________________________                                         5% Hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose                                                                     99 parts by weight                                       in methanol/methylene chloride                                                 Propylene glycol       1 part by weight                                        ______________________________________                                    

and the membrane suspension used was

    ______________________________________                                         10% Cellulose acetate                                                                           90 parts by weight                                            in acetone                                                                     5% Polyethylene glycol                                                                          10 parts by weight                                            in acetone                                                                     ______________________________________                                    

Talc was added as per Example 16.

A sufficient quantity of membrane suspension was applied to the pellets to achieve the following dissolution rate, all pellets having been dried to remove solvents.

    ______________________________________                                                     % Diltiazem hydrochloride                                          Time (hours)                                                                               released                                                           ______________________________________                                         2           13.8                                                               6           61.3                                                               13          88.6                                                               ______________________________________                                    

EXAMPLE 19

Diltiazem hydrochloride (2.4 kg) and enalapril (0.2 kg) were blended together with an amount of sustained release pellets (41.53 kg) prepared in Example 3 along with Avicel pH101 (5.0 kg), cross-linked polyvinylpyrrolidone (1.75 kg) and magnesium stearate (0.25 kg).

The resulting blend was tabletted to obtain a tablet containing 120 mg of diltiazem hydrochloride and 10 mg of enalapril, which produced a dissolution and bioprofile suitable for once-daily administration of both active ingredients.

EXAMPLE 20

Fumaric acid (2 kg) was size reduced in a conventional pharmaceutical hammer mill through a No. 100 mesh screen. The milled fumaric acid was then blended with captopril (6 kg) for twenty minutes. A solution of polyvinylpyrrolidone (P.V.P.) and ethylcellulose (Ethocel--Ethocel is a Trade Mark) in isopropanol was prepared at concentrations of 15% and 2% of the respective components.

Non-pareil seeds (5 kg) with a particle size of 0.5 to 0.6 mm were placed in a conventional pharmaceutical coating pan. The fumaric acid/captopril blend was applied onto the non-pareil seeds using the P.V.P./Ethocel solution as a binding agent. On completion of this operation the resulting active cores were transferred to a tray drying oven for solvent removal. 10% by weight of active ingredient of the foregoing active cores were mixed with pellets produced according to Example 3 except that the sustained release pellets from said Example contained 90% by weight of diltiazem hydrochloride and said immediate release pellets contained 15% by weight of diltiazem hydrochloride. After blending of the three pellet types they were filled into hard gelatin capsules, so that each capsule contained 120 mg of diltiazem hydrochloride and 50 mg of captopril.

EXAMPLE 21

An amount of pellets as prepared in Example 13 was mixed with an amount of active captopril cores and filled into hard gelatin capsules in a ratio such that the capsule contained 90 mg of diltiazem hydrochloride and 37.5 mg of captopril.

Pharmacoloqical Data for Once-Daily EXAMPLE 14

In Vivo Performance:

Pharmacoloqical Data for the Diltiazem Formulation of Example 1

The pellet formulation prepared in Example 1 was evaluated in vivo under steady state conditions.

A steady-state study was performed in 12 young healthy male volunteers, comparing the formulation of Example 1 with a reference product (conventional immediate release tablets). The formulation of Example 1 was administered as a single 240 mg encapsulated dose at 0 hours, while the reference was administered as a single 60 mg tablet at 0, 6, 12 and 18 hours (i.e. q.i.d.). Plasma was sampled out to 24 hours and the mean results were calculated and tabulated.

The data presented in Table 1 are from day 5 sampling.

                  TABLE 1                                                          ______________________________________                                         Mean Diltiazem Concentrations (ng/ml) - Day 5                                                        Formulation of                                           Hour        Reference Example 1                                                ______________________________________                                         0.00        104.08    74.83                                                    0.50        104.17    75.25                                                    1.00        140.75    72.17                                                    2.00        165.42    71.75                                                    3.00        --        72.67                                                    4.00        139.83    88.42                                                    6.00        107.00    95.42                                                    6.50        93.42     --                                                       7.00        107.42    --                                                       8.00        143.58    96.92                                                    10.00       138.00    107.50                                                   12.00       94.42     106.75                                                   12.50       77.42     --                                                       13.00       87.83     --                                                       13.50       92.58     --                                                       14.00       109.42    109.17                                                   16.00       109.00    107.75                                                   18.00       82.33     96.25                                                    18.50       81.45     --                                                       19.00       94.00     --                                                       20.00       120.33    85.00                                                    22.00       117.75    --                                                       24.00       98.92     71.08                                                    ______________________________________                                    

DISCUSSION

The results of this in vivo comparison of the formulation of Example 1 against conventional immediate release tablets (reference) indicate the formulation of

Example 1 to be bioequivalent (85%) to reference (100%). The formulation of Example 1 also exhibits reduced peak to trough fluctuations, thus enabling titration of the dose to safe, consistent and efficacious plasma levels, which is not always seen with more frequently administered immediate release forms of diltiazem. However, the main distinguishing feature is the tmax (time to peak plasma levels) which is considered to be the single most important pharmacokinetic criterion for characterising a specific dosage frequency. The tmax for the formulation of Example 1 is 14.00 hours, thus indicating suitability thereof for once-daily administration, while the tmax for reference is 2.75 hours. Furthermore, when compared to the formulation of Example 1 of our U.S. Pat. No. 4,721,619, a diltiazem formulation for twice-daily administration and having a tmax of 8.7 hours, the extension of tmax achieved with the once-daily formulation of the present invention becomes apparent.

Pharmacological Data for the Diltiazem Formulation of Example 2 METHOD Subjects:

Six male volunteers participated in the study (Table 2). One subject (Subject 2) dropped out after the second leg of the study for reasons unrelated to participation in the study. All subjects were shown to be healthy during a prestudy physical examination. Volunteers denied use of any medication during the 14 days prior to study initiation.

                  TABLE 2                                                          ______________________________________                                         Subject                                                                               Subject   Age    Height  Weight                                         Number Initials  Yrs    Cms     (Kg)  Smoker                                   ______________________________________                                         1      SF        21     171.5   72.8  Yes                                      2      NH        21     173.0   65.0  No                                       3      LH        25     174.0   70.0  No                                       4      PB        21     172.0   61.5  Yes                                      5      GG        19     180.0   74.0  Yes                                      6      TS        40     165.0   77.0  No                                       ______________________________________                                    

Medication and Dosing

The following medication was used in the study:

(1) Reference 30 mg tablets

(2) Diltiazem 120 mg capsules prepared from a blend of sustained release pellets prepared in Example 2 with 5% of immediate release pellets viz the sustained release pellets without the membrane, hereinafter designated as the formulation of Example 2.

The reference was administered as a 30 mg dose at 0, 6, 12 and 18 hours. The formulation of Example 2 in capsule form was given as a single 120 mg dose at 0 hours.

The studies were designed as a randomized, balanced, single-dose two-way crossover comparison of the reference and the diltiazem formulation of Example 2.

The trial was initially divided into two 24-hour treatment periods. A third 24-hour treatment period was then performed. There were seven days separating each study period. At the time of study entry, subjects were randomly given a study number from 1 to 6, and assigned to treatment schedules based on that study number as shown in Table 3.

Volunteers arrived at the study site 10 to 12 hours before dosing and remained in a fasted state for at least 8 hours before and until 3 hours after dosing. Diet was standardized among treatment periods.

                  TABLE 3                                                          ______________________________________                                         Subject     TREATMENT PERIODS                                                  Numbers     1           2                                                      ______________________________________                                         1, 2, 3     Reference   Formulation of                                                                 Example 2                                              4, 5, 6     Formulation of                                                                             Reference                                                          Example 2                                                          ______________________________________                                    

Plasma diltiazem concentrations were determined by high performance liquid chromatography.

RESULTS Plasma Diltiazem Concentrations

A summary of the mean results is presented in Table 4.

                  TABLE 4                                                          ______________________________________                                         Mean Diltiazem Concentrations (ng/ml)                                                                 Formulation                                             Time        Reference  of Example 2                                            ______________________________________                                         0.0         0.0        0.0                                                     0.5         4.02 ± 3.31                                                                            --                                                      1.0         12.98 ± 9.36                                                                           6.10 ± 2.20                                          2.0         20.80 ± 11.15                                                                          6.88 3.17                                               3.0         23.60 ± 11.15                                                                          --                                                      4.0         22.00 ± 10.25                                                                          16.32 ± 7.23                                         6.0         15.68 ± 5.87                                                                           21.58 ± 13.33                                        6.5         15.82 ± 7.16                                                                           --                                                      7.0         29.04 ± 15.29                                                                          30.60 ± 9.56                                         8.0         38.00 ± 10.46                                                                          35.80 ± 13.39                                        9.0         --         40.80 ± 18.90                                        10.0        32.00 ± 7.97                                                                           46.20 ± 20.78                                        12.0        21.60 ± 6.39                                                                           54.60 ± 26.43                                        12.5        18.40 ± 6.66                                                                           --                                                      13.0        21.76 ± 9.10                                                                           --                                                      14.0        33.60 ± 14.47                                                                          56.00 ± 25.42                                        16.0        34.60 ± 11.72                                                                          45.60 ± 16.96                                        18.0        26.80 ± 5.97                                                                           39.20 ± 13.99                                        18.5        26.60 ± 7.33                                                                           --                                                      19.0        27.40 ± 12.92                                                                          --                                                      20.0        38.20 ± 17.02                                                                          28.40 ± 5.27                                         22.0        34.20 ± 9.88                                                                           --                                                      24.0        33.20 ± 14.86                                                                          22.80 ± 7.29                                         28.0        17.02 ± 4.75                                                                           --                                                      36.0        2.58 ± 3.55                                                                            3.54 ± 3.38                                          ______________________________________                                    

DISCUSSION

The purpose of the studies carried out was to compare the pharmacokinetic profiles of a controlled absorption formulation of diltiazem according to the invention with divided doses of a reference product. The formulation of Example 2 was especially designed for once-daily administration of diltiazem and it was anticipated that this formulation would demonstrate a plasma profile consistent with this reduced dosage frequency.

The results of the study confirm the delayed and extended plasma profile of the formulation of Example 2. Although the product of Example 2 contains a proportion of immediate-release component (5%), the product demonstrated a significantly delayed time to peak plasma diltiazem concentrations compared with the reference. Mean trough levels were very similar for both products with no significant differences in mean blood concentrations at 24 hours post administration for the product of Example 2 relative to the reference, further emphasizing the prolonged absorption nature of the formulation according to the invention.

The elimination characteristics of the formulation of Example 2 were also consistent with a once-daily plasma profile. The formulation of Example 2 showed a considerably slower apparent elimination rate and longer apparent half-life value compared with the reference.

Estimates of relative bioavailability showed the formulation of Example 2 to be more bioavailable than the reference product demonstrating 112.06% relative bioavailability based on 24 hour data.

The formulation of Example 2 attained a remarkably extended tmax of 13.20 hours after administration as compared to 2.30 hours for reference and 8.7 hours for the formulation of Example 1 of our U.S. Pat. No. 4,721,619, which is a diltiazem formulation suitable for twice-daily administration. This extension in tmax thus shows the formulation of Example 2 to meet the criteria for once-daily administration and the overall results of the study demonstrate the achievement of a once-daily profile for the product of Example 2.

Pharmacological Data in respect of the Formulation of Example 3

The blend of pellets prepared in Example 3 was filled into hard gelatine capsules so as to give capsules containing 120 mg diltiazem hydrochloride. A single dose of the capsules so prepared was compared with a single dose of pellets in capsule form and which pellets are prepared in accordance with Example 1 of our U.S. Pat. No. 4,721,619 (twice-daily form of diltiazem) and identified hereinafter as "twice-daily formulation" administered as a single dose in six subjects. The two different formulations were tested in the same group of six subjects. The mean blood levels of the two formulations were determined and are shown in Table 5.

                  TABLE 5                                                          ______________________________________                                                  Twice-daily           Formulation                                              Formulation           of Example 3                                             Blood Level           Blood Level                                     Time (h) (ng/ml)      Time (h) (ng/ml)                                         ______________________________________                                         0.00      0.00        0.00      0.00                                           1.00      0.00        1.00     11.20                                           2.00      2.17        2.00     12.30                                           4.00     29.67        4.00     17.97                                           5.00     52.33        5.00     22.67                                           6.00     63.67        6.00     28.67                                           7.00     69.00        7.00     32.33                                           8.00     69.50        8.00     36.17                                           9.00     62.50        9.00     38.50                                           10.00    53.83        10.00    44.50                                           12.00    38.67        12.00    41.67                                           14.00    27.17        14.00    35.33                                           16.00    20.17        16.00    28.33                                           18.00    15.22        18.00    23.00                                           20.00    12.95        20.00    18.33                                           24.00     7.70        24.00    12.77                                           ______________________________________                                    

TIME OF MAXIMUM BLOOD LEVELS (TMAX)

The time of maximum blood levels (h) (tmax) was observed for each subject and each formulation.

The mean tmax values were as follows:

    ______________________________________                                         Twice-daily Mean tmax = 7.17                                                                             Based on 6 subjects                                  formulation                                                                    Formulation Mean tmax = 10.67                                                                            Based on 6 subjects                                  of Example 3                                                                   ______________________________________                                    

DISCUSSION

In the study, the formulation of Example 3 was compared with a formulation prepared as per Example 1 of our U.S. Pat. No. 4,721,619 which is an effective formulation for twice-daily administration of diltiazem. Whilst the "twice-daily" formulation achieves a notable extension in tmax (7.17 hours) as compared to conventional immediate release diltiazem, it does not exhibit a pharmacokinetic profile consistent with once-daily administration. However, the formulation of Example 3 demonstrates a lower peak to trough ratio than, while being bioequivalent (93.5%) to, the twice-daily formulation (100%). Most importantly, however, is the significantly extended tmax obtained (10.67 hours) with the formulation of Example 3, thus demonstrating an overall pharmacokinetic profile consistent with once-daily administration.

Pharmacological Data for the Diltiazem Hydrochloride Formulation prepared in Example 4

The blend of pellets prepared in Example 4 was filled into hard gelatine capsules so as to give capsules containing 120 mg diltiazem hydrochloride. A single dose of the capsules so prepared was compared with conventional reference tablets (30 mg) hereinafter referred to as reference administered four times daily in six subjects. The two different formulations were tested in the same group of six subjects.

The meant blood levels of the two formulations were determined and are shown in Table 6.

                  TABLE 6                                                          ______________________________________                                                                       Formulation of                                          Reference Blood        Example 4                                        Time (h)                                                                              Level (ng/ml)                                                                               Time (h)  Blood Level (ng/ml)                              ______________________________________                                          0.00   0.00        0.00      0.00                                              0.50   4.33        0.50      0.00                                              1.00   6.40        1.00      10.42                                             1.50  12.52        2.00      17.63                                             2.00  18.65        4.00      15.07                                             4.00  22.17        6.00      21.22                                             6.00  12.07        7.00      23.38                                             6.50  10.62        8.00      27.30                                             7.00  21.47        10.00     33.67                                             7.50  30.83        12.00     39.83                                             8.00  29.00        14.00     40.83                                            10.00  31.17        16.00     33.83                                            12.00  16.97        20.00     25.17                                            12.50  15.65        24.00     20.13                                            13.00  15.42        36.00     4.62                                             13.50  25.00        0.00      0.00                                             14.00  29.50        0.00      0.00                                             16.00  30.30        0.00      0.00                                             18.00  21.93        0.00      0.00                                             18.50  25.00        0.00      0.00                                             18.90  26.33        0.00      0.00                                             19.50  29.65        0.00      0.00                                             20.00  37.83        0.00      0.00                                             22.00  35.33        0.00      0.00                                             24.00  28.83        0.00      0.00                                             ______________________________________                                    

TIME OF MAXIMUM BLOOD LEVELS (TMAX)

The time of maximum blood levels (h) (tmax) was observed for each subject and each formulation.

The mean tmax values were as follows:

    ______________________________________                                         Reference  Mean tmax = 2.58                                                                              Based on 6 subjects                                  Formulation                                                                               Mean tmax = 13.00                                                                             Based on 6 subjects                                  of Example 4                                                                   ______________________________________                                    

DISCUSSION

The formulation of Example 4 demonstrated a remarkably extended in vivo tmax (13.00 hours) as compared to reference (2.58 hours). Furthermore, the formulation of Example 4 was bioequivalent (100%) to conventional immediate release tablets administered every six hours (100%). Based on this overall pharmacokinetic profile, the formulation of Example 4 is eminently suitable for once-daily oral administration.

Pharmacological Data in respect of the Formulation of Examples 11 and 12

The pellets prepared in Examples 11 and 12 were filled into hard gelatine capsules so as to give capsules containing 120 mg diltiazem hydrochloride. A single dose of the capsules so prepared was administered as a single dose in five subjects. The time of maximum blood levels (h) (tmax) was observed for each subject and formulation and the mean tmax value for Example 11 was 17.8 and the mean tmax value for Example 12 was 18.6.

PHARMACOLOGICAL DATA FOR TWICE-DAILY DILTIAZEM FORMULATIONS

In vivo Performance:

Pharmacoloqical Data for the Diltiazem Formulation of Example 13

A single-dose crossover study was performed in 6 young healthy male subjects comparing the formulation of Example 13 against the formulation of Example 1 of U.S. Pat. No. 4,721,619 (hereinafter referred to as Reference). Both the formulation of Example 13 and the Reference formulation were administered as a single encapsulated dose of 120 mg at 0 hours. Plasma concentration of diltiazem was determined at intervals over 24 hours and the results are illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 1 is a graph of plasma levels (ng/ml) of diltiazem versus time after administration (hours) for a single dose (120 mg) of the diltiazem formulation prepared in Example 13 (curve a) compared with a single dose (120 mg) of the Reference formulation (curve b). As will be appreciated, the data for the Reference formulation was obtained from a different group of subjects to that of present Example 13, thus making any comparison of bioavailability purely indicative. It will be observed from FIG. 1 that a virtually identical absorption pattern is obtained for each formulation, consistent with twice-daily administration. Hence it is submitted the actual bioavailability values would have been similar if the two formulations had been tested in the same subjects.

PHARMACOLOGICAL DATA FOR THE DILTIAZEM FORMULATION OF EXAMPLE 14

A single-dose crossover study was performed in 6 young healthy male subjects comparing the formulation of Example 14 against the formulation of Example 1 of U.S. Pat. No. 4,721,619 (hereinafter referred to as Reference). Both formulations were administered as a single 120 mg capsule at 0 hours. Plasma concentration of diltiazem was determined at intervals over 24 hours and the results are illustrated in FIG. 2.

FIG. 2 is a graph of plasma levels (ng/ml) of diltiazem versus time after administration (hours) for a single dose (120 mg) of the diltiazem formulation prepared in Example 14 (curve a) compared with a single As in the case of the pharmacological data for the formulation of Example 13 compared with the Reference, the data for the Reference formulation were obtained from a different group of subjects to that of present Example 14, thus making any comparison of bioavailability purely indicative. It will be observed from FIG. 2 that a virtually identical absorption pattern is obtained for each formulation, consistent with twice-daily administration. Hence it is submitted the actual bioavailability values would have been similar if the two formulations had been tested in the same subjects.

PHARMACOLOGICAL DATA FOR THE DILTIAZEM FORMULATION OF EXAMPLE 15

A steady-state crossover study was performed in 12 young healthy male subjects comparing the formulation of Example 15 against conventional immediate release tablets (Reference tablets).

The formulation of Example 15 was administered as a single 120 mg capsule at 0 and 12 hours (b.i.d.), while the Reference was administered as a single 60 mg tablet of 0, 6, 12 and 18 hours (q.i.d.). Plasma concentration of diltiazem was measured at intervals over 24 hours on Day 5 and the results are illustrated in FIG. 3. Pharmacokinetic data are given in Table 7.

                  TABLE 7                                                          ______________________________________                                         PHARMACOKINETIC EVALUATION (n = 6)                                                           Reference Formulation of                                         Parameters    Tablets   Example 15                                             ______________________________________                                         AUC (0-24h)   2474.88   2230.33                                                F (t) %       100.00     90.96                                                 Cmax          172.08     130.42                                                Tmax           2.75       4.17                                                 ______________________________________                                    

FIG. 3 is a graph of plasma levels (ng/ml) of diltiazem versus time after administration (hours) for a single dose (120 mg) of the diltiazem formulation prepared in Example 3 (curve a) compared with a single dose (60 mg) of reference tablets administered as indicated above.

It will be observed from the data presented in Table 7 that the formulation of Example 15 is 90.96% bioavailable compared to Reference (=100%), and has a quite similar Cmax and AUC (0-24h). However, the formulation of Example 15 has extended tmax (4.17 hours compared to 2.75 hours for Reference) which satisfies the criteria for controlled absorption orally administered drugs, and further shows a reduction in peak-to-trough fluctuations as indicated in FIG. 3.

Experiments were carried out to assess the stability of the pellet formulation according to the invention relative to formulations of U.S. Pat. No. 4,721,619.

Dissolution tests of the type described in Example 13 were carried out on a batch of the pellet formulation of Example 15 after storage in ambient conditions over a period concomitant with commercial shelf-life, in accordance with established criteria. The results are presented in FIG. 4 which is a graph of dissolution (%) versus time (hours) taken at three different time points after manufacture of the formulation of Example 15 under the indicated conditions and is indicative of the stability of the formulation under these conditions. In FIG. 4 curve a represents the batch as tested after 3 months of storage, curve b the batch as tested after 6 months storage and curve c the batch as tested after 18 months storage.

Dissolution tests of the type described in Example 13 were also carried out on a batch of the pellet formulation of Example 15 under `accelerated conditions` (37° C. and 75% relative humidity) in accordance with established criteria. The results are presented in FIG. 5 which is a graph of dissolution (%) versus time (hours) taken at three different time points after the manufacture of the formulation of Example 15 under the indicated conditions and is indicative of the stability of the formulation under these conditions. In FIG. 5 curve a represents the batch as tested after 1 month of storage, curve b the batch as tested after 3 months of storage and curve c the batch as tested after 6 months of storage.

Identical dissolution tests under identical accelerated conditions were carried out on a batch of a pellet formulation prepared in accordance with Example 1 of our U.S. Pat. No. 4,721,619. The results are presented in FIG. 6 which again is a graph of dissolution (%) versus time (hours) taken at three different time points after the manufacture of the formulation in question. In FIG. 6 curve a represents the batch as tested after 1 month of storage, curve b the batch as tested after 3 months of storage and curve c the batch as tested after 6 months of storage. A comparison of FIGS. 4, 5 and 6 demonstrates the stability of the formulation of the present invention relative to the formulation of U.S. Pat. No. 4,721,619. As will be observed the formulation of U.S. Pat. No. 4,721,619 under the specified conditions is unstable and therefore if commercially used would require excessive inventory control procedures.

The formulations according to the invention, which are characterised by specific in vitro dissolution rates and a more controlled manufacturing process, have excellent stability over the normal marketing shelf-life (18 months to 2 years) in terms of both in vivo and in vitro performance. 

What we claim is:
 1. A controlled absorption diltiazem pellet formulation for oral administration, said pellet comprising a core of diltiazem or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof in association with an organic acid, the diltiazem component and the organic acid being present in a ratio of from 50:1 to 1:1, and a multi-layer membrane surrounding said core and containing a major proportion of a pharmaceutically acceptable film-forming, water insoluble synthetic polymer and optionally a minor proportion of a pharmaceutically acceptable film-forming, water soluble synthetic polymer, the number of layers in said membrane and the ratio of said water soluble to water insoluble polYmer, when said water soluble polymer is present, being effective to permit release of said diltiazem from said pellet at a rate allowing controlled absorption thereof over, on the average, not less than a twelve hour period following oral administration, said rate being measured in vitro as a dissolution rate of said pellet, which when measured in a type 2 dissolution apparatus (paddle) according to U.S. Pharmacopoeia XXI in 0.05 M KCl at pH 7.0 substantially corresponds to the following dissolution pattern:a) no more than 35% of the total diltiazem is released after 2 hours of measurement in said apparatus; b) no more than 60% of the total diltiazem is released after 4 hours of measurement in said apparatus; and c) 100% of the diltiazem is released no earlier than after 8 hours of measurement in said apparatus.
 2. A controlled absorption diltiazem pellet formulation according to claim 1, wherein the release of diltiazem from said pellet is at a rate allowing controlled absorption thereof over a twenty-four hour period following oral administration, said rate being measured in a type 2 dissolution apparatus (paddle) according to U.S. Pharmacopoeia XXI in 0.05 M KCl at pH 7.0 which substantially corresponds to the following dissolution pattern:a) from 0 to 35% of the total diltiazem is released after 2 hours of measurement in said apparatus; b) from 0 to 45% of the total diltiazem is released after 4 hours of measurement in said apparatus; c) from 10 to 75% of the total diltiazem is released after 8 hours of measurement in said apparatus; d) from 25 to 95% of the total diltiazem is released after 13 hours of measurement in said apparatus; and e) not less than 85% of the total diltiazem is released after 24 hours of measurement in said apparatus.
 3. A controlled absorption diltiazem pellet formulation according to claim 1, wherein the release of diltiazem from said pellet is at a rate allowing controlled absorption thereof over a twenty-four hour period following oral administration, said rate being measured in a type 2 dissolution apparatus (paddle) according to U.S. Pharmacopoeia XXI in 0.05 M KCl at pH 7.0 which substantially corresponds to the following dissolution pattern:a) from 0 to 35% of the total diltiazem is released after 2 hours of measurement in said apparatus; b) from 5 to 45% of the total diltiazem is released after 4 hours of measurement in said apparatus; c) from 30 to 75% of the total diltiazem is released after 8 hours of measurement in said apparatus; d) from 60 to 95% of the total diltiazem is released after 13 hours of measurement in said apparatus; and e) not less than 85% of the total diltiazem is released after 24 hours of measurement in said apparatus.
 4. A controlled absorption diltiazem pellet formulation according to claim 1, wherein the release of diltiazem from said pellet is at a rate allowing controlled absorption thereof over a twelve hour period following oral administration, said rate being measured in a type 2 dissolution apparatus (paddle) according to U.S. Pharmacopoeia XXI in 0.05 M KCl at pH 7.0 which substantially corresponds to the following dissolution pattern:a) from 5 to 35% of the total diltiazem is released after 2 hours of measurement in said apparatus; b) from 35 to 85% of the total diltiazem is released after 6 hours of measurement in said apparatus; and c) 100% of the total diltiazem is released no earlier than after 8 hours of measurement in said apparatus.
 5. A controlled absorption diltiazem pellet formulation according to claim 1, wherein the release of diltiazem from said pellet is at a rate allowing controlled absorption thereof over a twelve hour period following oral administration, said rate being measured in a type 2 dissolution apparatus (paddle) according to U.S. Pharmacopoeia XXI in 0.05 M KCl at pH 7.0 which substantially corresponds to the following dissolution pattern:a) from 5 to 35% of the total diltiazem is released after 2 hours of measurement in said apparatus; b) from 55 to 80% of the total diltiazem is released after 6 hours of measurement in said apparatus; and c) not less than 85% of the total diltiazem is released after 24 hours of measurement in said apparatus.
 6. A controlled absorption diltiazem pellet formulation according to claim 1, wherein the diltiazem or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof and organic acid are present in a ratio of from 10:1 to 2:1.
 7. A controlled absorption diltiazem pellet formulation according to claim 1, wherein the core comprises:a) a powder mixture containing diltiazem or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, an organic acid selected from the group consisting of adipic acid, ascorbic acid, citric acid, fumaric acid, malic acid, succinic acid and tartaric acid, and b) a polymeric material containing a major proportion of a pharmaceutically acceptable water soluble synthetic polymer and a minor proportion of a pharmaceutically acceptable water insoluble synthetic polymer, said core comprising layers of said powder mixture and said polymeric material superimposed one upon the other and said polymeric material being present in an amount effective to ensure that all of said powder mixture is coated into said core.
 8. A controlled absorption diltiazem pellet formulation according to claim 1, wherein the water soluble polymer in the core or membrane is the same or different and is selected from the group consisting of polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinylpyrrolidone, methyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose and polyethylene glycol or a mixture thereof.
 9. A controlled absorption diltiazem pellet formulation according to claim 1, wherein the water soluble polymer in the core or membrane is replaced by a polymeric material which is freely permeable to diltiazem and water and comprises a copolymer of acrylic and methacrylic acid esters.
 10. A controlled absorption diltiazem pellet formulation according to claim 1, wherein the water insoluble polymer in the core or membrane is selected from the group consisting of ethylcellulose, cellulose acetate, cellulose propionate (lower, medium or higher molecular weight), cellulose acetate propionate, cellulose acetate butyrate, cellulose acetate phthalate, cellulose triacetate poly(ethyl methacrylate), poly(butyl methacrylate), poly(isobutyl methacrylate), poly(hexyl methacrylate), poly(isodecyl methacrylate), poly(lauryl methacrylate), poly(phenyl methacrylate), poly(methyl acrylate), poly(isopropyl acrylate), poly(isobutyl acrylate), poly(octadecyl acrylate), poly(ethylene), poly(ethylene) low density, poly(ethylene) high density, poly(propylene), poly(ethylene oxide), poly(ethylene terephtalate), poly(vinyl isobutyl ether), poly(vinyl acetate), poly(vinyl chloride) and polyurethane or a mixture thereof.
 11. A controlled absorption diltiazem pellet formulation according to claim 1, wherein the water insoluble polymer in the core or membrane is replaced by a polymeric material which is slightly permeable to diltiazem and water and comprises a copolymer of acrylic and methacrylic acid esters.
 12. A controlled absorption diltiazem pellet formulation according to claim 1, wherein the diltiazem, organic acid and polymeric material are built up on an inert core comprising a non-pareil seed of sugar/starch having an average diameter in the range 0.4-0.8 mm.
 13. A controlled absorption diltiazem pellet formulation according to claim 1, which contains diltiazem hydrochloride as the active ingredient.
 14. A process for the production of a controlled absorption diltiazem pellet formulation according to claim 1, which comprises forming a core of diltiazem, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, an organic acid and other optional components and enclosing the core in a membrane of a film-forming polymer or mixture thereof as defined in claim 1 which permits release of the diltiazem or the pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof in the manner set out in claim
 1. 15. A controlled absorption diltiazem formulation for oral administration comprising pellets according to claim 1 for once-daily administration, said formulation including a sufficient quantity of a rapid release form of diltiazem so as to have a dissolution rate which when measured in a type 2 dissolution apparatus (paddle) according to U.S. Pharmacopoeia XXI in 0.05 M KCl at pH 7.0 substantially corresponds to the following dissolution pattern:a) from 5 to 35% of the total diltiazem is released after 2 hours of measurement in said apparatus; b) from 10 to 60% of the total diltiazem is released after 4 hours of measurement in said apparatus; c) from 30 to 90% of the total diltiazem is released after 8 hours of measurement in said apparatus; d) from 60 to 100% of the total diltiazem is released after 13 hours of measurement in said apparatus; and e) not less than 85% of the total diltiazem is released after 24 hours of measurement in said apparatus.
 16. A controlled absorption formulation for oral administration comprising pellets according to claim 1, further comprising an ACE-inhibitor or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 17. A controlled absorption formulation for oral administration comprising pellets according to claim 1, further comprising an ACE-inhibitor selected from the group consisting of captopril, fosenopril, enalapril, ramipril, zofenopril, quinapril, cilazapril, spirapril, lisinopril, delapril, pivalopril, fentiapril, indolapril, alacepril, tiapamil (N-(3,4-dimethoxyphenethyl)-3-[2-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-1 3-dithian-2-yl]-N-methylpropylamine 1,1,3,3-tetraoxide), pentopril, rentiapril and perindopril.
 18. A controlled absorption formulation for oral administration comprising pellets according to claim 1, further comprising an ACE-inhibitor selected from the group consisting of captopril and enalapril.
 19. A controlled absorption diltiazem formulation comprising pellets according to claim 1 for once-daily administration, said formulation including a sufficient quantity of a rapid release form of diltiazem so as to have a dissolution rate which when measured in a type 2 dissolution apparatus (paddle) according to U.S. Pharmacopoeia XXI in 0.05 M KCl at pH 7.0 substantially corresponds to the following dissolution pattern:a) from 5 to 35% of the total diltiazem is released after 2 hours of measurement in said apparatus; b) from 10 to 60% of the total diltiazem is released after 4 hours of measurement in said apparatus; c) from 30 to 90% of the total diltiazem is released after 8 hours of measurement in said apparatus; d) from 60 to 100% of the total diltiazem is released after 13 hours of measurement in said apparatus; and e) not less than 85% of the total diltiazem is released after 24 hours of measurement in said apparatus.further comprising an ACE-inhibitor or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 20. A capsule or tablet formulation comprising pellets according to claim
 1. 